U.S. patent number 10,123,540 [Application Number 15/351,953] was granted by the patent office on 2018-11-13 for disinfectant material.
This patent grant is currently assigned to PEN Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is PEN Inc.. Invention is credited to Jason Avent, Stephanie Castro, Xueping Li, Dongsheng Mao, Mocherla K. K. Rao, Karl Rickert, Anand Upadhyaya, Zvi Yaniv.
United States Patent |
10,123,540 |
Yaniv , et al. |
November 13, 2018 |
Disinfectant material
Abstract
A disinfectant material may be used to kill bacteria, viruses,
mold and fungal contaminants while minimizing toxic risks to
humans. The disinfectant material may be effective in killing
pathogens and more on numerous types of surfaces including on the
skin of mammals. Exemplary embodiments include a copper halogen,
such as copper iodide. Exemplary materials may also include a pH
stabilizer, a preservative, humectants, or other constituents.
Exemplary disinfectant materials may be used as a liquid or a gel,
applied via a wipe, sprayed or in other forms.
Inventors: |
Yaniv; Zvi (Austin, TX),
Mao; Dongsheng (Austin, TX), Avent; Jason (Austin,
TX), Li; Xueping (Austin, TX), Rao; Mocherla K. K.
(Hudson, OH), Castro; Stephanie (Westlake, OH),
Upadhyaya; Anand (Broadview Heights, OH), Rickert; Karl
(Pompano Beach, FL) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PEN Inc. |
Miami |
FL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
PEN Inc. (Deerfield Beach,
FL)
|
Family
ID: |
64050616 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/351,953 |
Filed: |
November 15, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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14958675 |
Dec 3, 2015 |
9617040 |
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62087990 |
Dec 5, 2014 |
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62155872 |
May 1, 2015 |
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62250355 |
Nov 3, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C11D
3/0094 (20130101); A01N 59/20 (20130101); C11D
11/0023 (20130101); C11D 3/3445 (20130101); C11D
3/046 (20130101); C11D 3/162 (20130101); C11D
3/164 (20130101); C11D 3/43 (20130101); C11D
1/83 (20130101); C11D 3/323 (20130101); C11D
3/373 (20130101); C11D 3/0047 (20130101); C11D
17/0017 (20130101); C11D 3/48 (20130101); C11D
9/36 (20130101); A01N 59/20 (20130101); A01N
37/10 (20130101); A01N 59/12 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
C11D
1/83 (20060101); A01N 59/20 (20060101); A01N
25/34 (20060101); C11D 3/00 (20060101); C11D
9/36 (20060101); C11D 3/43 (20060101); C11D
3/16 (20060101); C11D 3/04 (20060101); C11D
3/48 (20060101); C11D 3/37 (20060101); C11D
17/00 (20060101); C11D 11/00 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Other References
Pramanik et al (Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces 96 (2012)
50-55). cited by applicant .
Simionescu et al (Versatility of Silsesquioxane-Based Materials for
Antimicrobial Coatings, Conference: 1st International Electronic
Conference on Materials May 2014). cited by applicant .
Li et al (Crystallization of ladderlike polyphenylsilsesuioxane
(PPSQ)/isotactic polystyrene (i-PS) blends. Polymer 2001, 42(20),
8435-8441). cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Boyer; Charles I
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Jocke; Ralph E. Walker &
Jocke
Claims
We claim:
1. A disinfectant material comprising: a solvent, wherein the
solvent concentration is in a range of about 25-99% of the solution
by volume, a surfactant, wherein the surfactant includes at least
one of an anionic and a non-ionic surfactant, wherein the
surfactant has a concentration in a range of about 0.1-0.5% of the
solution by volume, a pH stabilizer, wherein the pH stabilizer has
a concentration in a range of about 0.1-0.3% of the solution by
volume, a preservative, wherein the preservative has a
concentration in a range of about 0.5-5% of the solution by volume,
copper iodide, wherein the copper iodide has a concentration in a
range of about 0.005%-0.5% of the solution by volume, and is not in
a complex with benzoic acid or a benzoic acid analog.
2. The disinfectant material of claim 1, and further comprising: a
rheology additive.
3. The disinfectant material of claim 2, wherein the rheology
additive has a concentration in a range of about 0.5-5% of the
solution by volume.
4. The disinfectant material of claim 1, wherein at least one
anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of:
phosphate esters, dioctyl sulfosuccinate, alpha olefin sulfonate,
octane sulfonate, ethylhexyl sulfate, lauryl sulfate, laureth
sulfate, or gluconate, and wherein the anionic surfactant is
combined with a cationic moiety including at least one of sodium,
potassium, magnesium, ammonium and alkyl ammonium.
5. The disinfectant material of claim 1, wherein at least one
non-ionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of:
alkyl polysaccharides, sorbitan esters, polyethyleneoxy (PEO)
sorbitan esters, PEO fatty acid esters, PEO fatty acids, PEO fatty
alcohols, PEO synthetic alcohols, block copolymers of PEO and
polypropyleneoxy (PPO) groups (PEO/PPO), alcohol ethoxylates,
nonylphenolethoxylates, alkyl glucosides, and amide
ethoxylates.
6. The disinfectant material of claim 1, wherein the solvent
comprises at least one of water, isopropyl alcohol, and
3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol.
7. The disinfectant material of claim 1, wherein the material
further comprise a fragrance.
8. The disinfectant material of claim 1, wherein the material
further comprises a chelating agent.
9. The disinfectant material of claim 8, wherein the chelating
agent has a concentration in a range of about 0.02-0.3% of the
solution by volume.
10. The disinfectant material of claim 1, wherein the surfactant
concentration is close to or greater than a critical micelle
concentration of the surfactant.
11. The disinfectant material of claim 1, wherein the copper iodide
has a particle size within a range from 300-4000 nm.
12. The disinfectant material of claim 1, wherein the material
further includes, a rheology additive, wherein the rheology
additive has a concentration in a range of about 0.5-0.5% of the
solution by volume, a fragrance, wherein the fragrance has a
concentration in the range of about 0.1-2% of the solution by
volume, a chelating agent, wherein the chelating agent has a
concentration of about 0.02-0.3% of the solution by volume,
polyphenylpropylsilsesquioxane, wherein the
polyphenylpropylsilsequioxane has a concentration in a range of
about 1-50% of the solution by volume, wherein the copper iodide
has a particle size within a range of 300-4000 nm.
13. A disinfectant material comprising: a solvent, wherein the
solvent concentration is in a range of about 25-99% of the solution
by volume, a surfactant, wherein the surfactant includes at least
one of an anionic and a non-ionic surfactant, wherein the
surfactant has a concentration in a range of about 0.1-0.5% of the
solution by volume, a pH stabilizer, wherein the pH stabilizer has
a concentration in a range of about 0.1-0.3% of the solution by
volume, a preservative, wherein the preservative has a
concentration in a range of about 0.5-5% of the solution by volume,
polyphenylpropylsilsequioxane, wherein the
polyphenylpropylsilsequioxane has a concentration in a range of
about 1-50% of the solution by volume, copper iodide, wherein the
copper iodide has a concentration in a range of about 0.005%-5% of
the solution by volume.
14. A disinfectant material comprising: a solvent, wherein the
solvent concentration is in a range of about 25-99% of the material
by volume, a surfactant, wherein the surfactant includes at least
one of an anionic and a non-ionic surfactant, wherein the
surfactant has a concentration in a range of about 0.1-0.5% of the
material by volume, a pH stabilizer, wherein the pH stabilizer has
a concentration in a range of about 0.1-0.3% of the material by
volume, a preservative, wherein the preservative has a
concentration in a range of about 0.5-5% of the material by volume,
a carbomer polymer, wherein the carbomer polymer has a
concentration in a range of about 0.1-5% of the material by volume,
a base, wherein the base has a concentration in an amount
sufficient to neutralize at least 50% of the carboxyl groups
present in the carbomer polymer in the material in order to obtain
a gel consistency, a rheology additive, wherein the rheology
additive has a concentration in a range of about 0.5-5% of the
material by volume, a fragrance, wherein the fragrance has a
concentration in the range of about 0.1-2% of the material by
volume, a chelating agent, wherein the chelating agent has a
concentration of about 0.02-0.3% of the material by volume, a least
one humectant, wherein the at least one humectant is selected from
a group comprising: propylene glycol, hexylene glycol, and butylene
glycol, glyceryl triacetate, neoagarobiose, sugar alcohols (sugar
polyols) such as glycerol, sorbitol, xylitol, maltitol, polymeric
polyols such as polydextrose, quillai, urea, Aloe vera gel, MP
diol, Alpha hydroxy acids such as lactic acid, and lithium
chloride, polyphenylpropylsilsesquioxane, wherein the
polyphenylpropysilsequioxane has a concentration in a range of
about 1-50% of the material by volume, copper iodide, wherein the
copper iodide has a concentration in a range of about 0.005%-0.5%
of the material by volume, and a particle size within a range from
300-4000 nm.
15. A disinfectant material comprising: a solvent, wherein the
solvent concentration is in a range of about 25-99% of the material
by volume, a surfactant, wherein the surfactant includes at least
one of an anionic and a non-ionic surfactant, wherein the
surfactant has a concentration in a range of about 0.1-0.5% of the
material by volume, a pH stabilizer, wherein the pH stabilizer has
a concentration in a range of about 0.1-0.3% of the material by
volume, a preservative wherein the preservative has a concentration
in a range of about 0.5-5% of the material by volume, a carbomer
polymer, wherein the carbomer polymer has a concentration in a
range of about 0.1-5% of the material by volume,
polyphenylpropylsilsequioxane, a base, wherein the base has a
concentration in an amount sufficient to neutralize at least 50% of
carboxyl groups present in the carbomer in the material in order to
obtain a gel consistency copper iodide, wherein the copper iodide
has a concentration in a range of about 0.005%-0.5% of the material
by volume, and a particle size within a range from 300-4000 nm.
16. A disinfectant material comprising: a solvent, wherein the
solvent concentration is in a range of about 25-99% of the solution
by volume, a surfactant, wherein the surfactant includes at least
one of an anionic and a non-ionic surfactant, wherein the
surfactant has a concentration in a range of about 0.1-0.5% of the
solution by volume, a pH stabilizer, wherein the pH stabilizer has
a concentration in a range of about 0.1-0.3% of the solution by
volume, a preservative, wherein the preservative has a
concentration in a range of about 0.5-5% of the solution by volume,
polyphenylpropylsilsesquioxane, copper iodide, wherein the copper
iodide has a concentration in a range of about 0.005%-0.5% of the
solution by volume, and is not in a complex with benzoic acid or a
benzoic acid analog.
17. A disinfectant material comprising: a solvent, wherein the
solvent concentration is in a range of about 25-99% of the solution
by volume, a surfactant, wherein the surfactant includes at least
one of an anionic and a non-ionic surfactant, wherein the
surfactant has a concentration in a range of about 0.1-0.5% of the
solution by volume, a pH stabilizer, wherein the pH stabilizer has
a concentration in a range of about 0.1-0.3% of the solution by
volume, a preservative, wherein the preservative has a
concentration in a range of about 0.5-5% of the solution by volume,
a rheology additive, wherein the rheology additive has a
concentration in a range of about 0.5-5% of the solution by volume,
wherein the rheology additive comprises a solution including a
modified urea in dimethyl sulfoxide or N-Methylpyrrolidone, copper
iodide, wherein the copper iodide has a concentration in a range of
about 0.005%-0.5% of the solution by volume, and is not in a
complex with benzoic acid or a benzoic acid analog.
18. The disinfectant material of claim 16, wherein the
polyphenylpropylsilsesquioxane has a concentration in a range of
about 1-50% of the solution by volume.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
This disclosure relates to a disinfectant material, which may be
classified in U.S. Class 514 subclasses: 1, 724 and 772.3; and IPC
A61K9/0014 and A61K9/06. Exemplary embodiments relate to a
disinfectant material that may be used to kill bacteria, viruses,
mold and fungal contaminants while minimizing toxic risks to
humans.
BACKGROUND
Microbial life is abundant, tenacious, and often difficult to
control. Organisms including bacteria and mold are often
characterized by an ability to easily spread, rapidly reproduce,
and thrive under conditions that can destroy higher life forms.
Since some of these organisms cause human diseases, the exclusion
or destruction of these organisms is important to prevent or block
the spread of disease.
In addition to the problem of normal infections, the world is faced
with a rapidly growing problem of "superbugs" or bacteria that have
developed a resistance to one or more antibiotics or disinfectants.
Many of these resistant microbes are acquired and spread in
hospitals, oddices or other places were numerous people are often
present. Commonly used sterilizing agents can include formaldehyde
and glutaraldehyde, which are cancer causing, thus potentially
placing people at risk. These agents may be highly reactive toward
organic materials in general, and even some inorganic materials
causing corrosion and erosion, and may also be toxic. Sometimes for
surface treatment, such materials are applied to surfaces in
different ways, which can sometimes cause the disinfectant material
to be in contact with materials and animals which may potentially
be undesirable.
Disinfectants and their use may benefit from improvements.
SUMMARY
Exemplary embodiments relate to disinfectant materials with
antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. The exemplary
material is effective for killing pathogens, and more, on numerous
types of surfaces, including pathogens that may be present on human
skin or the skin of other mammals. Exemplary materials may be
housed in a container that includes a manually actuable dispenser
such as a pump or a spout, may be embedded in porous materials such
as cloth or wipes, may be sprayed onto surfaces, may be applied to
the skin of mammals or may have numerous other forms.
In exemplary embodiments the materials may comprise a copper
halogen, such as marshite (copper iodide). Exemplary materials
include marshite mixed with a surfactant which facilitates cohesion
to surfaces that are contacted with the material. Exemplary
materials also includes a pH stabilizer, a preservative and a
humectants, among other constituents.
Exemplary embodiments of materials described herein have numerous
beneficial properties and uses.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a cross-section view of an exemplary wipe dispensing
container wherein the wipes are obtained from the top of a wipe
container.
FIG. 2 is a view of an exemplary wipe holding container wherein the
wipes are stacked in a wipe container.
FIG. 3 is a view of an exemplary manually actuable atomizing
sprayer in which a solution can be dispersed from the interior
area.
FIG. 4 is a view of a generally liquid tight container having a
manually actuable pump mechanism designed to dispense a material
from inside the container.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
An exemplary embodiment includes a disinfectant solution. The
solution may be in wetted relation with a cloth. The cloth and
solution comprise a wipe that can be moved in contact with a
surface to cause a layer of the solution to be applied on the
surface. The exemplary solution is operative to kill bacterial and
fungal organisms.
Exemplary wipes may be held in and dispensed from liquid tight wipe
containers. Two exemplary wipe containers are shown and described
in FIGS. 1 and 2.
Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an exemplary article of
manufacture including a wipe holding container, as shown in cross
section.
The exemplary wipe holding container includes a liquid tight
cylindrical canister 2. The canister is closed at one end by a
closed base 4. The canister is closed at an opposed end from the
base by top 5. The top includes a resealable cap or lid 6.
The exemplary canister may be constructed of a plastic material,
such as thermoformed material or blow-molded material, a carton
material such as a lined paperboard, or a metalized or laminate
structure, such as metalized or laminate film.
The exemplary wipe holding container includes an interior area 8.
Area 8 houses a roll 10 of wipes. The wipe material of the roll is
perforated with the perforations 12 set in a direction transverse
to the length of the material web so that individual wipes 14 can
be readily separated from the roll. The sheet-like fabric material
of the exemplary embodiment is generally a nonwoven non-absorbent
cloth material. The roll 10 of wipes is made such that it holds or
is otherwise in wetted contact with the exemplary solution.
As shown in FIG. 1, the container holds the roll of moist wipes 10
in generally air tight relation when the cap 6 is closed. The top 5
is provided with an outlet opening 13 through which the moist wipes
14 are withdrawn. The outlet opening 13 can be selectively covered
by the cap so the wipes remain wetted with the solution and do not
dry out during storage.
Referring now to FIG. 2, an alternative exemplary wipe holding
container 40 is shown. Container 40 includes a storing body 44 in
which the wipes 42 are stored. The storing body 44 is provided with
an outlet opening 46 through which the wipes 42 may be withdrawn.
The outlet opening 46 is covered with an opening- and closing-cover
label 48 detachably (or peelably) attached to the storing body
44.
In the alternative exemplary wipe dispensing container 40 according
to this embodiment, the storing body 44 has a generally rectangular
body formed from a generally square sleeve-like packing material
with opposed ends. The outlet opening 46 is formed in a surface 50
of the packing material. Opposing side edge portions 52 of surface
50, and opposing side edge portions 54, are rigidly reinforced so
that they exhibit self-supporting properties. The surfaces 50 and
54 are sealed at the opposed ends. Both sealed opposite ends 56,
are fixed so that the one surface 50 forms two opposing end faces
56 (only one is shown) of the generally rectangular body.
The exemplary wipes 42 are comprised of non-woven fabric which is
in wetted contact with an exemplary solution. The wipes 42 are
stacked in an interleaved array and stored in the storing body 44
so that they can be withdrawn in a pop-up manner.
Other exemplary embodiments may include an article of manufacture
which includes a wipe article held individually in a liquid tight
container such as a flexible envelope. Such an envelope may hold
the cloth wetted with the solution in an interior area thereof. The
envelope may be initially sealed with the wipe therein to avoid the
evaporation of constituents of the solution and to prevent
contamination.
The envelope type container may be opened and the wipe removed from
the interior area. The wipe may then be used to contact and
transfer to a surface to be disinfected, the solution carried on
the cloth. In exemplary arrangements the solution acts to kill
bacterial, fungal and virus organisms on the surface. The exemplary
deposited solution dries to leave a film on the surface which
operates to provide continuing disinfecting properties in the
manner hereinafter described.
Referring now to FIG. 3, an exemplary liquid tight container 58 is
shown. The container bounds an interior area 60. At the top of the
liquid tight container 58 there is a threaded neck 62. There is
also a threaded coupling 64 attached to a dispensing element 66.
The dispensing element is operative to dispense a disinfectant
solution via a pump member 68 having an operating handle 70 and an
atomizer 72. The interior 60 of the container 58 contains liquid
solution which has a liquid level 74. A fluid inlet 76 in the
interior area 60 is connected to the dispensing element 66. The
solution or material may be drawn through the fluid inlet 76 by
squeezing the operating handle 70, causing the pump member to cause
the solution or material to pass out of the atomizer 72 and
directed onto a surface desired to be treated. It will be
understood that the dispensing element 66 is purely exemplary, and
in other embodiments other types of dispensing means may be used,
depending upon contemplated use of the device including being
selectively directable.
Referring now to FIG. 4, an alternative exemplary generally liquid
tight container 78 is shown. The container bounds an interior area
80. Inside the interior area there is a liquid gel material 82
which comprises a disinfectant material which serves as a hand
sanitizer and which has a level 84. Also inside the interior area
there is a conduit having a fluid inlet 86. A manually actuable
pump mechanism 88 extends on the outside of the liquid tight
container. The manually actuable pump mechanism 88 is operative
when actuated, to move material from the internal fluid inlet 86 to
a fluid outlet 90 outside the interior area. It will be understood
that the described embodiment is purely exemplary, and in other
embodiments other dispensing means may be used, depending upon
contemplated use of the device.
Of course the approaches described for producing and using these
articles of manufacture in the form of disinfecting wipes,
solutions, gels and their containers are exemplary, and in other
embodiments other approaches may be used. For purposes hereof the
terms solution and material providing disinfecting properties are
used interchangeably.
The exemplary solution used includes a halogen copper salt, and in
particular copper iodide. Copper is useful because it kills fungal
infections, bacteria, molds, and viruses including antibiotic
resistant strains. The exemplary solution is operative to kill both
enveloped and non-enveloped types of viruses as well as gram
positive and gram negative bacteria. Copper kills all known types
of harmful bacteria and it is believed that bacteria have been
unable to develop any immunity to copper. Exemplary embodiments of
some disinfectant materials do not include copper salts in a
complex with benzoic acid or a benzoic acid analog.
The strong antiviral activities of copper and copper oxide are
often enhanced at the nanoscale level (typically, particles having
sizes less than 100 nanometers; such particles are also often
referred to as "nanosized").
Exemplary embodiments of the solution include halogen copper salts,
which are stable in air and in water. Such halogen copper salts may
have enhanced antibacterial/antiviral/antifungi/antimold activity
not only because of a presence of copper ions, but also a presence
of halogen ions. Herein, the terms "copper halide", "halogen copper
salt" and "halogen copper" refer to a compound of copper with one
of the halogen elements ("halogens"): fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl),
bromine (Br), iodine (I), and astatine (At), plus the artificially
created element 117 (ununseptium).
Copper ions, in particular the monovalent specie Cu.sup.+, or
cuprous, are able to kill bacteria, viruses, fungi and molds due to
their oxidation from Cu.sup.+ to the divalent specie Cu.sup.++
(also referred to as Cu.sup.2+ or cupric) and the associated
generation of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of atmospheric
oxygen and humidity. When this reaction occurs, the Cu.sup.+ ion
reacts with hydrogen peroxide, which oxidizes Cu.sup.+ to Cu.sup.++
producing a strong hydroxyl radical (i.e., resulting in strong
(effective) oxidation power), which radical although unstable, is
responsible for the bioactivity. The bioactivity referred to herein
refers to the radical oxidizing biological matter (e.g., live
organisms) to kill such organisms.
Generally, monovalent copper (Cu.sup.+) in an aqueous solution
tends to be converted to metallic copper, or Cu.sup.++, by a
disproportionate reaction. Cu.sup.+ in aqueous solution may behave
as a catalyst in a Fenton-like reaction. As a result of the
oxidation of Cu.sup.+ to Cu.sup.++, the solution generates hydrogen
peroxide (H.sub.2O.sub.2):
2Cu.sup.++2O.sub.2.fwdarw.2Cu.sup.+++2O.sub.2.sup.-
2O.sub.2.sup.-+2H.sup.+.fwdarw.H.sub.2O.sub.2+O.sub.2
The hydrogen peroxide so formed then goes through a Fenton-like
reaction leading to the generation of a hydroxyl radical OH.
Hydroxyl radicals are highly reactive and, consequently, short
lived. However, they form an important part of radical chemistry.
The reaction is:
Cu.sup.++H.sub.2O.sub.2.fwdarw.Cu.sup.+++OH.sup.-+.circle-solid.OH
In the case that Cu.sup.++ ions are returned to Cu.sup.+ showing
that H.sub.2O.sub.2 is catalytically decomposing to achieve
hydroxyl radicals.
These reactions occur with marshite, or CuI, but are not unique
thereto. Other Cu.sup.+ halogen salts (e.g., CuCl, CuBr, etc.) may
also be effective since each will deliver Cu.sup.+. The halogen ion
may also help the activity of Cu.sup.+. In the specific case of
CuI, for example, the iodide ion (F) is involved as explained below
(the equations where X represents a halogen). In other exemplary
embodiments of a copper based
antibacterial/antiviral/antifungi/antimold agent, the copper
halogen salts also produce a halogen ion (X.sup.-). As a result,
the following reaction occurs:
4X.sup.-+2Cu.sup.++.fwdarw.X.sub.2+2CuX
In addition to having the molecular halogen in solution (for
example, I.sub.2), Cu.sup.++ is returned to Cu.sup.+, which will
again participate in all the reactions previously disclosed.
Bacteria use an enzyme as a form of a "chemical lung" in order to
metabolize oxygen. Due to the foregoing copper ion reactions, the
strong hydroxyl radical destroys the "chemical lung" of the
bacteria by stopping the take-up of oxygen. This effectively
suffocates the bacteria in a matter of minutes, leaving surrounding
tissue or material unaffected.
Fungi also survive by means of such a "chemical lung" much like
bacteria. As a result, exemplary embodiments are also effective
against fungi. Furthermore, exemplary embodiments are also
effective against other molds.
A live virus will often take over another living cell and reprogram
the nucleus of the cell to replicate the virus rather than the
healthy cell. In this process, the cell reverses to a more
primitive form that relies upon an oxygen metabolizing enzyme as a
"chemical lung." This is similar to the bacteria case. Again, the
copper ions stop oxygen from being brought into a virus producing
cell, and the cell dies by "suffocation" (oxygen deprivation).
In some exemplary arrangements the solution includes a non-ionic
surfactant. The interaction between a non-ionic surfactant and
marshite particles is such that a non-polar alkyl tail of the
surfactant is attracted to the hydrophobic surface of the copper
iodide particles. When such solution is applied to a surface, some
of these tails can have an orientation perpendicular to the
marshite particle and some can be lying down on the surface.
However, the anionic head of the surfactant will be attracted
toward water, interacting with an aqueous environment through
hydrogen bonding with the oxygen group.
In some exemplary arrangements the solution includes anionic
surfactants. The molecular structure of anionic, or negatively
charged, surfactants is one in which a negatively charged head
group is bound to an inert, hydrophobic tail. When the solution is
applied to a surface and the surface to be disinfected is
positively charged, the surfactants in a CuI/water and isopropyl
alcohol solution can form a nanofilm layer or bilayer in the
presence of a polar solvent like water. This nanofilm layer or
bilayer is a layer of copper ions surrounding water and
surfactants. This layer or bilayer will form when the surfactant's
concentration is close to or greater than the critical micelle
concentration of the surfactant, which is approximately 0.3 g/L in
the case of a water and isopropyl alcohol solution.
When a solution including a suspension of CuI in a water and
isopropyl alcohol solution is applied to a surface and then excess
is wiped off or the solvent mixture evaporates, the nanofilm layer
or bilayer collapses causing the surfactants to be scattered on the
surface. The negative head group attaches to the surface and the
inert surfactant tail is randomly directed with respect to the
surface.
On neutral surfaces like laminate, plastic, etc., due to the fact
that there is no overall attraction between the surfactants and the
surface, the surfactant is scattered on the surface, positioning
sometimes with the tail on the surface, sometimes with the polar
head toward the surface.
Finally, if the surface is negatively charged, the head group will
be repulsed electro-statically from the surface and the tail will
anchor the surfactants to the surface.
In an exemplary embodiment where a solution is made containing
0.1-0.5% surfactant in the solution by volume, the surfactant may
contain both anionic and nonionic surfactants. The selection of a
surfactant or combination of surfactants may be determined based on
the desired formulation properties such as foaming ability, foaming
retention, foaming stabilization, formulation stability, cleaning
capabilities, and micelle stabilization.
Anionic surfactants are those with a negatively charged head and
neutral (typically alkyl chain) tail. The negative charge of the
head group is balanced by the presence of a cationic moiety.
Examples of anionic surfactant groups usable in exemplary solutions
include but are not limited to: phosphate esters, dioctyl
sulfosuccinate, alpha olefin sulfonate, octane sulfonate,
ethylhexyl sulfate, lauryl sulfate, laureth sulfate, and gluconate.
Examples of cationic moieties that can be combined with anionic
groups in exemplary solutions include but are not limited to:
sodium, potassium, magnesium, ammonium and alkyl ammonium. Many
types of anionic surfactants are commercially available and are
best known for reduction of water surface tension and high foaming
capacity.
Nonionic surfactants are those which carry no charge, however they
still have a polar head and nonpolar tail. Examples of nonionic
surfactants usable in exemplary solvents include but are not
limited to: alkyl polysaccharides, sorbitan esters, polyethyleneoxy
(PEO) sorbitan esters, PEO fatty acid esters, PEO fatty acids, PEO
fatty alcohols, PEO synthetic alcohols, block copolymers of PEO and
polypropyleneoxy (PPO) groups (PEO/PPO), alcohol ethoxylates,
nonylphenolethoxylates, alkyl glucosides, and amide ethoxylates.
Many types of nonionic surfactants are commercially available and
typically function as foaming agents with foam stabilization
properties.
An exemplary embodiment of the solution includes a pH stabilizer. A
pH stabilizer will allow the pH of the solution to be maintained
over a shelf life. Additionally, the pH stabilizer may adjust the
solubility of other ingredients. The pH stabilizer will vary based
on the solvents and surfactants used in the solution. The pH
stabilizer will also vary based on the amount of copper iodide
desired to be in solution. However, a wide variety of pH
stabilizers may be used. In an exemplary embodiment, the pH
stabilizer may have a concentration in a range of about 0.1-0.3% of
the solution by volume. Examples of pH stabilizers that may be used
in exemplary solutions include but are not limited to: citric acid,
acetic acid, phosphoric acid, benzoic acid, ascorbic acid, sodium
hydroxide, triethanolamine, glycolic acid, and ammonium hydroxide
or mixtures thereof.
An exemplary embodiment of the solution includes a preservative.
The preservative will allow the efficacy of the solution to be
maintained over a shelf life. However, a wide variety of
preservatives may be used. In exemplary embodiments, the
preservative may have a concentration in a range of about 0.5-5% of
the solution by volume. Examples of preservatives usable in
exemplary solutions include but are not limited to: sodium
hydroxymethylglycinate, polyaminopropylbiguanide, quaternary
ammonium compounds, EDTA salts, EDTA fatty acid conjugates,
alkanols especially ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol,
parabens, sorbates, urea derivatives, and isothiazolinone, or
mixtures thereof.
An exemplary embodiment of the solution includes a rheology agent,
or additive. Rheology additives are used primarily to optimize the
flow behavior in a particular application. This improves the
processability and storage stability without settling, and enables
a thicker application of layers. In exemplary embodiments the
rheology additive may have a concentration of about 0.5-5% by
volume in the solution as necessary to provide the desired
properties. Examples of rheology agents include BYK-410 and
BYK-D420 (both supplied by BYK Chemicals Wallingford, Conn.,
USA).
An exemplary embodiment of the solution includes a chelating agent.
Chelating agents are ingredients that bind with metal ions or
metallic compounds, preventing contamination or discoloration of
the solution. Examples may include disodium EDTA, tetrasodium EDTA,
tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, sodium citrate, sodium gluconate
and sodium phytate or mixtures thereof.
An exemplary embodiment of a solution or a material used as a hand
sanitizer or for another use in which skin contact will generally
occur, includes humectants. Humectants (or moisturizers) allow a
way to prevent loss of moisture thereby retaining the skin's
natural moisture. Some compounds also have the ability to actively
attract moisture. Examples may include propylene glycol, hexylene
glycol, and butylene glycol, glyceryl triacetate, neoagarobiose,
sugar alcohols (sugar polyols) such as glycerol, sorbitol, xylitol,
maltitol, polymeric polyols such as polydextrose, quillai, urea,
Aloe vera gel, MP diol, Alpha hydroxy acids such as lactic acid,
and lithium chloride or mixtures thereof.
The exemplary solutions are intended to be environmentally friendly
and safer than currently used disinfectant solutions. In exemplary
solutions, the size of the marshite particles for suitable
antiviral activity, safety and cost may be in a range between 300
nanometer and 4,000 nanometer in diameter. Furthermore, with some
exemplary embodiments the total amount of copper ions potentially
entering the environment from the application of the solution is
restricted by using a copper salt with limited solubility in water
or the other carrier solution--thus limiting the probability of
excess copper ions leaching out or solubilizing directly into the
environment.
Exemplary embodiments comprise a solution including marshite
particles between 50 nanometer and 5,000 nanometers. When the size
is decreased, only a small change in the percentage of surface
molecules exists. However, due to nanoparticle safety concerns, the
Federal Government and many other institutions have indicated
concerns about particles having the diameter smaller than 300
nanometers. Therefore, in some exemplary embodiments of the
solution CuI particles are selected to be in the size range larger
than 300 nanometers to reduce these concerns.
By calculations and experimental results it has been determined
that with 20 mg/L of marshite in an exemplary liquid test solution,
the average distance between two particles of marshite is
approximately 3 microns in the liquid solution and after applied to
a surface in the dry film it is approximately 1 micrometer. The low
concentration of 20 mg/L of active marshite in this exemplary
embodiment is useful for keeping the environment green and safe.
The size of H1N1 influenza virus is approximately between 100 and
125 nanometers. Thus in such exemplary solutions, once applied the
probability of the virus coming into contact with the lethal
marshite particles is high. However, this is merely one embodiment
and other exemplary embodiments provide for a copper salt of
limited solubility in an exemplary solution. This limited
solubility resolves the risk of copper leaching into the
environment.
In an exemplary embodiment of the solution, the copper iodide may
make up about 0.005-5% of the total solution. However, this is
limited by the solubility of the copper salt in the solution. It is
possible to extend this range to up to 30% of the solution, however
the concentration of the copper iodide actually in the solution as
a result of the solubility will generally be in the range
indicated.
In an exemplary wipe embodiment with a cloth that comprises a
non-woven cloth, the solution is in wetted contact with the
non-woven cloth, and the non-woven cloth is generally non-absorbent
with respect to the solution. Generally non-absorbent nature of the
non-woven cloth refers to the solution as a whole being less than
10% being absorbed into the cloth. Of course in other embodiments,
other cloth types may be used. The cloth is such that in wiping the
cloth against a surface, the solution will be deposited on the
surface.
In some exemplary embodiments a fragrance is included in the
solution. The fragrance may include any conventional fragrance that
does not adversely affect a human. The fragrance in exemplary
embodiments may have a concentration of about 0.1-2% by volume of
the solution as necessary to provide the desired odor properties.
Fragrances may be made from essential oils and isolates derived
from botanical ingredients such as: flowers, fruits, sap, seeds or
skin of the plant, as well as the bark, leaves, roots, resins or
wood of certain trees. Fragrances may also be parabens, phthalates
or synthetic musks.
In some exemplary embodiments, polyphenylsilsesquioxane, or PPSQ,
is included in the solution. Polyphenylsilsesquioxane helps secure
the attachment of the copper iodide to surfaces.
Polyphenylsilsesquioxane also may limit the amount of copper ions
exposed to the environment. In an exemplary embodiment PPSQ may
have a concentration of about 0.1-50% by volume.
In some exemplary embodiments, 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol, or MMB
is included in the solution. In exemplary embodiments with MMB,
after drying, a powerful, antimicrobial coating may be formed on a
surface. This antimicrobial coating can be sprayed or coated in
many ways on many different surfaces. In exemplary embodiments the
solution may dry very quickly due to the presence of MMB. In
another exemplary embodiment, the antimicrobial coating will
strongly adhere to a coated surface after MMB evaporation due to
the presence of PPSQ. In an exemplary embodiment it is possible to
deliver a very powerful transparent coating on any type of surface,
including painted surfaces, with no cosmetic alterations. In an
exemplary embodiment, the concentration of MMB may be any amount up
to 99.9%
In some exemplary embodiments, carbomers are added to a material.
Carbomers are polymers of acrylic acid crosslinked with an
unsaturated polyfunctional agent such as a polyallyl ether of
sucrose. These carboxy vinyl polymers have the CTFA (Cosmetic,
Toiletry and Fragrance Association) adopted name of carbomer
molecules, converting the acidic carbomer salt. Carbomer thickening
agents are commercially available under the trade names
Carbopol.RTM. 934, 940, 941, 951, ETD 2020, ETD 2010, ETD 2001, and
Ultrez.TM. from Lubrizol of Wickliffe, Ohio. Other thickening
polymers and gums may be used according to their compatibility with
the hydroalcoholic system. Examples of other suitable gelling
agents include cellulosic ether polymers sold by Dow Chemical as
Methocel.RTM. and hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl and hydroxypropyl
cellulose gums sold under the mark Aqualon.RTM..
In an exemplary embodiment, a base is used to convert the carbomer.
Sodium hydroxide and Potassium hydroxide are only recommended for
hydroalcoholic systems comprising up to about 20% and about 30%,
respectively, alcohol. Likewise, sodium hydroxide, triethanolamine,
monoethanolamine, and dimethyl stearylamine are not compatible as
neutralizing agents because they do not adequately form a gel of
desirable viscosity in a 60% ethanol composition. Other potential
bases are tria amino, amino methu propanol, neutrol TE,
diisopropanolamine, triisopropanolamine, Ethomeen C-25 or mixtures
thereof.
In an exemplary embodiment, ethanol or other alcohols may be added
to the material. This may be done in order to reduce the viscosity
of the material to a more desirable level.
Some exemplary embodiments may provide a spray of a solution to be
distributed on a surface to be disinfected. The surface may then be
left to air dry, or wiped up with an absorbent towel or cloth. This
leaves a solution film on the surface.
Some exemplary embodiments enable a wipe to contact a surface. The
wipe is removed from a fluid tight container, and rubbed against a
surface to be disinfected. The wipe leaves a film of the solution
on the surface.
In further alternative embodiments a solution is incorporated into
a paint or other surface coating. This paint may then be applied to
walls or surfaces desired to be rid of microbes for an extended
period of time.
Further alternative embodiments enable dispensing a material that
can be applied directly to skin of humans or other mammals. For
example, the material can be a hand sanitizer or other sanitizer
that may be dispensed from a liquid tight container and placed on
the hands of a human and/or applied to areas of the human or animal
body.
Fibrous materials utilized in products such as textiles, carpets,
filter materials, etc. may also benefit from being rid of viruses,
bacteria, undesirable organic molecules or volatile organic
compounds. Materials including marshite may be used in combination
with other ingredients in order to achieve this result. Marshite is
not a highly hygroscopic molecule; therefore, its efficacy as a
catalyst is limited by the duration of moisture retention while it
is in contact with the undesirable organic molecules (UOMs) that
are to be oxidized. This means that the desired properties of
marshite are not consistent given variations in humidity as well as
the reservoir of moisture that may be available in the substrate to
which the material is applied. Without the presence of moisture,
oxygen, and a catalyst for an adequate duration of time, the
marshite may be ineffective. Furthermore, in alternative
embodiments it is desirable that copper iodide particles be
attached to the fibers for an extended period, not only due to the
catalytic activity of marshite, but also because the particles are
physically attached to the fibers. By allowing moisture and oxygen
to be present, the copper iodide will react with the UOMs.
Similarly, in some situations it can be difficult keeping the UOMs
in contact with the marshite catalyst of oxidation long enough to
ensure UOM destruction. Especially when volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) are considered, in some situations there may not be enough
time for the marshite to destroy the VOC, before the VOC adversely
effects the environment or organisms within the environment.
Volatile organic compounds are problematic, especially as materials
using solvents, plasticizers and other volatile chemicals are
introduced into living or working environments. Compounding this
issue, many buildings are virtually airtight; allowing VOCs to
build up in the environment and in the people who spend time in
them.
Systems have been designed to destroy VOCs using reactors. Some
reactors utilize large beds of materials and energy input such as
UV light or generated ozone to destroy VOCs. These can be
problematic as residual ozone can be emitted into the areas
occupied by people, leading to irritation of sinuses and many other
problems associated with inhaled oxidizers. These systems often
only treat some of the VOC burden in the air, as the concentrations
of oxidizer are not high enough to achieve 100% destruction.
Some systems for VOC reduction are simply absorptive, such as
carbon or zeolite. These systems decline in their efficiency to
capture VOC over time, eventually leading to an ineffective system
with a poor performance, unless VOC concentrations are monitored
and the absorption medium replaced or replenished. Because VOC
contamination is often heterogeneous, monitoring the effectiveness
of absorptive filtration is problematic. Monitors most often detect
specific compounds, meaning that to get a true detection across a
wide range of hazardous VOCs can require sophisticated systems of
detection. A combination of absorptive and oxidizing systems offer
a synergy of functions that can lead to a much more complete
capture and destruction of VOCs than either system alone. In
addition, the use of an absorptive system means that much less
energetic means of VOC destruction can be employed because the VOCs
can be attacked over longer periods of time.
The catalysts of oxidation currently employed in some VOC reduction
systems are usually disposed on solid substrates. These substrates
can be textured to provide a large surface area, but to give the
appropriate amount of surface area and contact time between the VOC
and the solid substrate requires large reactors and can cause
problems with resistance to air flow.
A system that retains the VOCs on the surface where the oxidation
is catalyzed can utilize less energetic mechanisms than active
systems using UV or ozone. This means a cleaner system that does
not emit oxidizers into the environment and more complete oxidation
of contaminants, since incomplete oxidation of VOCs can often
create more hazardous compounds than no oxidation at all. In some
exemplary systems, molecular oxygen can be used as the oxidizing
agent and immobile, low-toxicity copper ions can be used as a
catalyst. If the VOC's are captured by affinity to the solid
substrate, then the problem of restriction in air flow can be
avoided by using a simple coating on a filter or with a layer of
material on the inside surfaces of an air duct system.
Alternative embodiments include a system in which an air duct
coating is operative to inhibit the growth of microbes. Because
surfaces inside air ducts are treated in a way that captures VOCs,
the system has a much more functional role than simply preventing
the growth of microbes on the surface of ventilation systems or
reducing the growth of microbes on a filter. A system can be
properly proportioned such that even at the maximum level of dust
caking, the removal of VOCs will be adequate to decontaminate air
in an average home or other generally closed structure.
Alternative embodiments may be used in a commercial or industrial
setting. An air duct system can be properly proportioned such that
even at the maximum level of dust caking, the removal of VOCs will
be adequate to decontaminate air within an area in a commercial
building or industrial setting.
Alternative embodiments may be used in confined structures or areas
used in modes of transportation such as planes, trains,
automobiles, busses, subway systems, light rail, ferries, or taxis.
A system of air purifying can be properly proportioned such that
even at the maximum level of dust caking, the removal of VOCs will
be adequate to decontaminate air in a confined area associated with
a mode of transportation.
Alternative embodiments include an antiviral/antibacterial material
which will also be effective against organic residues on the
fibers, thereby achieving a multifunctional agent that destroys
pollutants as well as biological materials.
When organic compounds are suspended in a flowing liquid, the
compounds may pass over a bed of marshite particles without enough
time to react. This may mean a stain or other pollutant ends up
disposed on a surface where its effect or appearance is
undesirable, in spite of the effectiveness of marshite in
destroying or precipitating the waterborne or other liquid borne
pollutant if it were to remain with the marshite particles.
Alternative embodiments allow for an increase in the duration of
moisture and organic compound retention in contact with the
marshite material so that such material can have an adequate set of
conditions (mainly moisture) and enough duration of contact with
the organic compound to substantially destroy it. An alternative
embodiment provides for a solution with a balance of moisture
retention, surface area, trapping and catalysis on surfaces, all
while being lower cost than an equivalent functioning pure marshite
particle bed.
Alternative embodiments include a water based solution containing
water, a surfactant, and 300-500 micrometer copper iodide
particles. The role of the surfactant in this case is to create a
complex molecular interaction between the copper iodide particles
and water molecules. In such an embodiment, the copper iodide
particles are surrounded by water molecules, which enable their
catalytic activity.
With respect to attaching the marshite particles to fibers,
alternative exemplary embodiments include a percentage of
polyphenylsilsesquioxane that secures the attachment of the copper
iodide particles to such fibers.
In order to have a water reservoir to facilitate marshite
reactivity, multiple compounds may be used. For example, zeolite
has an excellent mix of desirable properties containing many pores
with different sizes, water holding capacity, surface area for gas
adsorption and structures that may house CuI particles in the
desired size range for slow release. Other materials that may be
useful are synthetic and natural polymers, activated carbon, clay
and pearlite, vermiculite as well as other suitable materials.
These materials may be mixed and adsorbed with CuI in the suitable
proportions to create cost effective, highest efficacy products for
the catalytic application they are designed to perform.
In alternative embodiments, copper iodide may be incorporated with
a hygroscopic compound. The association of copper iodide and
hygroscopic agents will hold moisture and allow the catalytic
effect of copper iodide to occur at the interface of the moist
surface and atmosphere. In alternative embodiments the hygroscopic
compound may be silica gel, zeolite and clay. Additionally, these
hygroscopic compounds may be admixed with CuI to enhance oxidative
catalytic properties through longer hydration times and rapid
uptake of moisture.
In alternative embodiments, in addition to the retention of
moisture, chemically reactive or chemically retaining compounds may
be employed in order to capture odors or staining chemistries,
allowing longer contact time for more complete destruction. For
example, activated carbon provides a chemically absorbing scaffold
and many internal channels that lead to dead ends within the
structure described as "the tortuous path". The high surface area
and porosity of these substrates make them excellent absorbers of
chemicals, but they are eventually saturated with chemicals and
this saturation reduces their effectiveness over time. Zeolites
offer many of the same properties as activated carbon, and can
increase the residence time of the volatile gasses and staining
molecules within them, allowing the copper iodide to work more
effectively and at lower concentrations than if it was applied
alone.
In alternative embodiments, copper iodide is applied to a substrate
that both adsorbs water and undesirable volatile chemicals which
allows a very low loading of copper iodide to have a long-lasting
effect. Zeolites and activated carbon utilized alone may have a
short lifetime of effectiveness after they are saturated, but
copper iodide offers a mechanism for destroying these adsorbed
compounds. Therefore, if copper iodide's catalytic oxidation is
balanced with the rate of loading of undesirable compounds into the
adsorbent material, then the lifetime of the product is increased
dramatically over any single-constituent solution.
When a product like zeolite or activated carbon is saturated with a
solution of dissolved copper iodide, then dried in repeated cycles,
there is an accumulation of copper iodide crystals on the inner
surfaces as well as small particles trapped within their large
pores. This combination of readily dissolved crystals and slowly
dissolving particles provides quick activation of the copper iodide
upon wetting followed by a sustained release of copper iodide from
the copper iodide particles.
Additionally, in alternative embodiments, zeolite bound to copper
iodide particles will filter colored (or staining) particles from
water better than either zeolite or copper iodide alone, due to the
reduction reaction occurring that precipitates molecules from the
solution. After a period of time where drying of the zeolite occurs
in air, the oxidation of the stain leads to a renewed absorptivity
of zeolite that would not occur in zeolite which does not contain
copper iodide.
Alternative embodiments may be used for cleaning, including
difficult cleaning applications such as cleaning red wine stains on
a carpet. The red color of the wine comes from anthocyan pigments
(also called anthocyanins) that are present in the skin of the
grape. Generally it is very difficult to clean red wine stains on
carpets or other textiles. An alternative embodiment of provides
for cleaning red wine stains on a carpet using a water based
solution, containing surfactants and 100 mg/L copper iodide. The
antiviral/antibacterial activity of CuI is achieved through a
series of reactions of the transformation from Cu.sup.+ to
Cu.sup.++ and vice versa happening in an aqueous solution as
described above. In these reactions there is the presence of
H.sub.2O.sub.2. More importantly the cyanin family of chemicals
including the three variants of the chemical structures, whereby a
nitrogen atom replaces a carbon atom and as a result the carbon
atom is not fully saturated chemically, creates a positive charge
around nitrogen substitute. Due to this nitrogen charged substitute
in cyanin chemical structures, the red color of the wine is
transferred to a colorless material.
This type of reaction will occur when dyes have a similar formula
as the cyanin or they include a replacement of carbon in a carbon
hydrogen chain with nitrogen.
Alternative embodiments are also useful for treating a fungus
infection called Candidiasis or Candida Albicans with a water based
solution containing a surfactant and copper iodide solution. It
should be mentioned that this utility is not limited to just
Candidiasis or Candida Albicans, as such alternative embodiments
are effective for antiviral/antifungal/antibacterial eradication
and also for treatment of fungus type of diseases (such as skin
diseases) in animals and even in humans.
EXAMPLES
Exemplary embodiments of a disinfectant material utilizing the
principals described herein are further illustrated by the
following examples, which are set forth to illustrate the presently
disclosed subject matter and are not to be construed as
limiting.
Example 1
Preparation of a Water Based Solution:
Combine 95% deionized water with 5% isopropyl alcohol, 5-500 mg/L
of Copper Iodide particles from 300-4000 nm in size and enough
surfactant to allow the surfactant's concentration is close to or
greater than the critical micelle concentration of the surfactant,
which in the case of the water and isopropyl alcohol mixture is
around 0.3 g/L.
An exemplary wipe as described above may be wetted so as to contain
this water based solution. The wipe may be made of a non-woven
cloth that is generally non-absorbent with respect to the solution.
The solution may further include a pH stabilizer, a preservative, a
rheology additive, fragrance, a chelating agent, or
polyphenylpropylsilsequioxane.
An exemplary embodiment of the wipe may have a solution with the
following approximate concentrations of the total solution by
volume:
solvent(s): 25-99%,
surfactant(s): 0.1-0.5%,
pH stabilizer: 0.1-0.3%,
preservative: 0.5-5%,
copper iodide 0.005-5%,
rheology additive: 0.5-5%,
fragrance: 0.1-2%,
chelating agent: 0.02-0.3%,
polyphenylpropylsilsequioxane: 1-50%.
Alternatively, an exemplary spray disinfectant may be comprised of
this water based solution. The solution may further include a pH
stabilizer, a preservative, a rheology additive, fragrance, a
chelating agent, or polyphenylpropylsilsequioxane.
Alternatively, a liquid gel material used in contact with surfaces
including the skin of humans or other living animals may be
comprised of this water based solution. The material may further
include a pH stabilizer, a preservative, a carbomer polymer, a
base, a rheology additive, fragrance, a chelating agent,
humectants, or polyphenylpropylsilsequioxane.
An exemplary embodiment of such gel material may have a solution
with the following approximate concentrations of the total solution
by volume:
solvent(s): 25-99%,
surfactant(s): 0.1-0.5%,
pH stabilizer: 0.1-0.3%,
preservative: 0.5-5%,
copper iodide 0.005-5%,
rheology additive: 0.5-5%,
fragrance: 0.1-2%,
chelating agent: 0.02-0.3%,
polyphenylpropylsilsequioxane: 1-50%,
humectants: 0.1-5%.
Example 2
Preparation of an Alcohol Based Solution:
Combine 50-99% MMB (3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol), 1-50% PPSQ
(polyphenylpropylsilsequioxane) and 5-500 mg/L of Copper Iodide
particles from 300-4000 nm in size.
An exemplary wipe as described above may be wetted with so as to
contain this alcohol based solution. The wipe may be made of a
non-woven cloth that is generally non-absorbent with respect to the
solution. The solution may further include a pH stabilizer, a
preservative, a rheology additive, fragrance, a chelating
agent.
Alternatively, an exemplary disinfectant spray may contain this
alcohol based solution. The solution may further include a pH
stabilizer, a preservative, a rheology additive, fragrance, a
chelating agent.
An exemplary embodiment of the spray may have a solution with the
following approximate concentrations of the total solution by
volume:
solvent(s): 25-99%,
surfactant(s): 0.1-0.5%,
pH stabilizer: 0.1-0.3%,
preservative: 0.5-5%,
copper iodide 0.005-5%,
rheology additive: 0.5-5%,
fragrance: 0.1-2%,
chelating agent: 0.02-0.3%,
polyphenylpropylsilsequioxane: 1-50%.
Alternatively, a liquid gel material for contact with surfaces
including skin of humans or other living animals may contain this
alcohol based solution. The material may further include a pH
stabilizer, a preservative, a carbomer polymer, a base, a rheology
additive, fragrance, a chelating agent, humectants, or
polyphenylpropylsilsequioxane.
Example 3
Preparation of a Water Based Gelatin:
Combine 0.5-74.5% deionized water, 25-99% isopropyl alcohol, 0.5-5%
of a rheology additive, such as BYK-D420 (supplied by BYK Chemicals
Wallingford, Conn., USA) and 5-500 mg/L of Copper Iodide particles
from 300-4000 nm in size and enough surfactant to allow the
surfactant's concentration is close to or greater than the critical
micelle concentration of the surfactant, which in the case of the
water and isopropyl alcohol mixture is around 0.3 g/L.
An exemplary wipe as described above may be wetted with so as to
contain this water based gelatin. The wipe may be made of a
non-woven cloth that is generally non-absorbent with respect to the
solution or gelatin. The gelatin may further include a pH
stabilizer, a preservative, a rheology additive, fragrance, a
chelating agent, or polyphenylpropylsilsequioxane.
Alternatively, a liquid gel material for application on surfaces
including skin, may contain this water based gelatin. The material
may further include a pH stabilizer, a preservative, a carbomer
polymer, a base, a rheology additive, fragrance, a chelating agent,
humectants, or polyphenylpropylsilsequioxane.
Example 4
Preparation of an Alcohol Based Gelatin:
Combine 45-94.5% of an alcohol such as MMB
(3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol), 5-50% PPSQ
(polyphenylpropylsilsequioxane) and 0.5-5% of a rheology additive,
such as BYK-410 (supplied by BYK Chemicals Wallingford, Conn.,
USA), and 5-500 mg/L of Copper Iodide particles from 300-4000 nm in
size.
An exemplary wipe as described above may be wetted so as to contain
this alcohol based gelatin. The wipe may be made of a non-woven
cloth that is generally non-absorbent with respect to the solution
or gelatin. The gelatin may further include a pH stabilizer, a
preservative, a rheology additive, fragrance, a chelating agent, or
polyphenylpropylsilsequioxane.
Example 5
Method of Treating a Carpet Pad with Copper Iodide:
Another exemplary embodiment provides for application of copper
iodide into the carpet pad that goes under carpets. These carpet
pads are usually comprised of bound pieces of recycled foam. The
process of binding the foam can involve an adhesive or can be done
using heat, or both.
The process of putting the foam scraps together offers an
opportunity to introduce copper iodide without requiring large
quantities that would be wasteful if copper iodide were introduced
in the manufacturing of raw foam. Because the mechanical properties
of the raw foam scraps are not changed in the production process,
the characteristics of the carpet pad also do not change as long as
the adhesion between pieces is not affected by the introduction of
copper iodide. Addition of a material such as copper iodide to an
adhesive or dusted into heat-welding manufacturing process
generally has little or no production impact compared to
introducing a reactive component to more delicate processes
associated with initial foam production.
Likewise, the process of binding foam together creates paths and
channels for fluids to flow between fragments of foam, meaning a
higher dosing of copper iodide to any fluids that may leak into the
foam pad, as these fluids will be captured in the channels between
pieces of foam.
As a water-activated odor eliminating compound, copper iodide
infused carpet pads can aid a homeowner or other user by reacting
with odor causing liquids such as urine, beverages and water
spills. Upon moistening, the reducing action of copper iodide will
precipitate redox-active compounds from the liquid, retaining them
within the pad, essentially purifying the liquid to prevent
contamination of the structural material beneath the pad.
At the same time, the copper iodide in an exemplary pad will
dissolve into the liquid and travel with it, providing an oxidizing
catalyst when the liquid and oxygen from the atmosphere react. This
"seeding" of the liquid spill as it passes through the pad may mean
that the user never becomes aware of the spill, which can dry
harmlessly if it does not cause visible discoloration of the
carpet.
Wicking of the liquid up from the wet carpet pad and into the
carpet above can cause copper iodide to migrate into the carpet as
it dries and pulls liquid out of the carpet pad below. This
migration of copper iodide from the carpet pad upward may eliminate
odors and destroy discoloring agents within the liquid that might
otherwise require extensive cleaning. If the user does drench and
clean the spill with water, this will enhance the migration of
copper iodide into the carpet fibers as wicking and drying create
deposits within the carpet fibers. In situations where the same
area is urinated on repeatedly, this means the effect of the copper
iodide migrating from the carpet pad will increase proportionally
with each incident.
In another example, a spot of buck (deer) urine was placed on
different carpet squares. Every spot was created by 10 ml of buck
urine and for each liquid treatment the same sprayer was utilized
to apply 10 sprays for each sample of treatment. Half an hour
later, the spot treated with a mixture of water, surfactant,
3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol, and polyphenylpropylsilsequioxane
showed strong activity for removing the stain. After six hours, the
stain was almost entirely eliminated. After twelve hours, the stain
was completely eliminated. The odor of the sample was diminished
after the first hour, and non-existent after six hours.
Example 6
Method of Retaining and Destroying Volatile Organic Compounds:
In another alternative exemplary embodiment, an antiviral and
antibacterial material is effective to
remove/eliminate/lessen/neutralize organic residues on fibers. The
residues which may be effectively treated include undesirable
organic molecules, pollutants, biological materials and volatile
organic compounds. The fibers upon which the material may be
effective include fibers upon which such residues accumulate such
as carpet and ventilation filters.
Example 7
Experimental Test Against Feline Calcivirus ATCC VR-782
Copper ions (20 mg/L) in a water based solution were applied to a
surface with the non-enveloped feline calcivirus ATCC VR-782. In 10
minutes an 82.22% reduction relative to the control after the
exposure of the antimicrobial substance to the virus according to
Modified ASTM E1053 that looks at the antiviral activity of an
agent for 24 hours. In our case we wanted to have an idea about the
rate of killing and this is why we limited the test to 10
minutes.
Example 8
Experimental Test Against H1N1 Influenza a, Strain A-California,
and Human Corona Virus 229E.
A number of other tests were performed against H1N1 Influenza A,
Strain A-California, and Human Corona Virus 229E. In the case of
H1N1 Influenza A, towelettes embedded with water based solution of
copper iodide at 20 mg/L showed according to modified test AATCC
100 a 99.7% reduction vs time zero control.
In the case of Human Corona Virus 229E according to modified ASTM
E1053 the percent reduction was 99.99% in 10 minutes.
Of course it should be understood that Examples 1-8 are merely
exemplary embodiments, and the inventive principles described may
be applied to numerous other applications, uses, materials,
situations, methods, compositions and articles of manufacture.
In some exemplary embodiments the concentration of marshite in
solution is larger than 7 mg/L and smaller than 1 g/L.
In exemplary embodiments solution mixtures including copper iodide
can be made into various forms including, but not limited to, foam,
gel, cream, gelatin, spray, aerosol, bar, liquid, solid, gaseous,
or other forms.
Exemplary solutions may be placed on or applied to any surface on
which it is desired to be rid of virus, bacteria, mold or fungus.
These surfaces may include, but are not limited to, glass, plastic,
carpet, stainless steel, aluminum, walls, wood, clothing, floors,
cloth, tile, porcelain, granite, quartz, cement, laminate, brick,
stone, terrazzo, clay, ceramic, slate, limestone, marble, concrete,
and metal.
Exemplary solutions may be placed on or embedded in surfaces at the
time of manufacture of such surfaces in order to remove the virus,
bacteria, mold or fungus.
Exemplary solutions may be applied in various ways, including, but
not limited to, spray, brush, rolled, immersed, painted, propelled,
coated, wiped, applied by hand, rubbed onto a surface, and placed
on top of a surface.
Exemplary solutions may be deployed on or applied to filters, which
may be in any form of air handling which may be found in homes,
commercial facilities, industrial facilities, transportation
facilities, vehicles, government buildings.
Exemplary solutions may be deployed in the healthcare industry on
such surfaces such as those found in hospitals, clinics, emergency
care facilities, doctor's offices, nursing homes, and veterinary
services.
Exemplary solutions may be deployed in the transportation industry
on such surfaces such as those found in taxis, busses, trams,
boats, streetcars, subways, airplanes, airports, bus depots, dock,
ferries, bus coaches, metro trains, train and subway platforms and
trains including ticket and service counters and booths.
Exemplary solutions may be deployed in the education industry on
such surfaces such as those found in public schools, private
schools, higher education establishments, colleges, community
colleges, day care, child care, and trade schools.
Exemplary solutions may be deployed in the food processing industry
in such surfaces such as those found in a slaughter house, a meat
packing plant, a cannery, a fish processing facility and a food
packaging plant.
Exemplary solutions may be deployed in the livestock industry in
such surfaces such as those found while engaging said livestock, or
on the skin of livestock or other animals.
Exemplary solutions may be deployed on or applied to air vents,
conduits, filters contained in air conditioning or furnaces.
Exemplary solutions may be deployed on stains caused by dyes, wine,
or other undesirable colors in fibers or fabric.
Exemplary solutions may be applied to human skin or the skin of
other living animals for treating acne, fungal infections and other
skin diseases.
Exemplary solutions can include other, non-essential ingredients
such as, but not limited to, fragrances, colorants, pH buffers, and
the like for aesthetic or other purposes.
Exemplary solutions may have a reservoir material operative to
sequester water and such materials may include, but are not limited
to: zeolite, synthetic polymers, natural polymers, activated
carbon, pearlite, vermiculite, silica gel and clay.
When used herein, neutralization is a term construed to mean to
destroy, to neutralize, to reduce, to break apart, to eliminate, to
negate, to nullify, to remove, to reduce, to make harmless and
other meanings to those skilled in the art.
Of course these described embodiments are exemplary and alterations
thereto are possible by those having skill in the relevant
technology.
Thus the example embodiments and arrangements achieve improved
capabilities, eliminate difficulties encountered in the use of
prior articles and methods, and attain the desirable results
described herein.
In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for
brevity, clarity and understanding. However, no unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom because such terms are used
for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly
construed.
Moreover the descriptions and illustrations herein are by way of
examples and the inventions not limited to the features shown and
described.
Further, it should be understood that components, materials,
features and/or relationships associated with one embodiment can be
combined with components, materials, features and/or relationships
from other embodiments. That is, various components, materials,
features and/or relationships from various embodiments can be
combined in further embodiments. The inventive scope of the
disclosure is not limited to only the embodiments shown or
described herein.
Having described the features, discoveries and principles of the
exemplary embodiments, the manner in which they are made, utilized
and carried out, and the advantages and useful results attained,
the new and useful articles, arrangements, combinations,
methodologies, structures, devices, elements, combinations,
operations, processes and relationships are set forth in the
appended claims.
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